No chief has the legal right to confiscate land from its rightful owners – Oliver Barker-Vormawor

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Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a lawyer, outspoken Ghanaian activist, and convener of the #FixTheCountry protests, has once again made headlines with his strong stance against illegal land seizures by traditional authorities. Speaking on the second day of a three-day Knowledge and Sensitization training on the BRACE project, Barker-Vormawor emphasized that no chief has the legal right to confiscate land from its rightful owners and allocate it to miners or resell without their consent.

Addressing an audience comprising community groups, traditional leaders, and media representatives, Barker-Vormawor underscored the importance of understanding the legal protections provided under Ghana’s Land Act 2020 (Act 1036). He pointed out that, according to the law, a chief cannot unilaterally take land from its owner without permission, even though such practices have been reported in various parts of the country.

“The law does not permit any chief to take your land from you and give it to miners or resell without your permission. This is a clear violation of your rights as landowners,” Barker-Vormawor stated firmly. He urged the participants to be vigilant and informed about their rights to prevent exploitation by those in positions of traditional authority.

The BRACE project, under which this training was organized, aims to build resilience and capacity within communities, ensuring that citizens are well-informed about their rights and can take collective action against any form of injustice. Barker-Vormawor’s message resonates deeply with the project’s goals, as he continues to be a prominent voice in the fight against corruption and the abuse of power in Ghana.